Javaid Naikoo
Early Times Report
Srinagar, Sept 7: There is no mention of the farmers hit by last year's floods in 'sympathy' statements of various political parties, including separatists, on the anniversary of the devastating deluge.
As the floods damaged property across Kashmir Valley worth billions of rupees, it also destroyed ready to reap crops and washed away fertile land.
As per official figures, around 38000 hectares of land was either completely washed away or damaged by the floods of September 2014. The loss included apple orchards, paddy, maize fields and vegetable gardens in 10 districts of the Valley besides Leh district of Ladakh.
Out of the 3 lakh hectares of crop area in Kashmir division, around 1.35 lakh hectares were also damaged by the floods while 1.65 lakh hectares were severely affected due to incessant rains, drop in temperature and diseases to different crops, vegetables and fruits.
In terms of loss to productions, it was assessed at 8,54,213 MT in respect of cereals, 5,08,492 MT vegetables, 14,02,472 MT fodder, 1773 MT pulses and 11 MT saffron, and the overall loss was estimated as Rs 3675 crore.
Meanwhile, at a time when state government has compensated some flood affected people who's houses and business units were partially and
completely damaged by floods, it ignored the farmers as they are yet to receive any sort of compensation.
Many farmers said that when Kashmir observed strike on Monday on the call of traders federations, supported by mainstream and separatist political parties, they feel alienated. There is not even mention of farmers and orchardists in 'sympathy' statements of mainstream and separatist political parties.
Immediately after floods, authorities formulated an assistance plan of Rs 64.17 crore for farmers in Kashmir, However according to Minister for Agriculture Production, the State Government is still waiting for assistance from New Delhi to pay to the farmers and orchardists who suffered massive loss during last year floods.
"We have sent a proposal to the Union Government last year and we hope that we will receive funds demanded as part of relief to flood affected people and rebuild infrastructure very soon, so that we can provide relief to farmers and orchardists who suffered losses" said Ghulam Nabi Lone, the Minister for Agriculture Production.
Notably, the floods also washed away soil and pesticide testing labs at Lal Mandi, Srinagar, which are yet to be constructed, adding to the woes of orchardists and farmers who need soil testing labs. |
